Monopoly experts gear up for Sikeston tournament

The secret to success at Monopoly is to avoid glitzy properties like Boardwalk and Park Place and keep plenty of cash on hand, say Monopoly pros.

Everybody has a Monopoly strategy. Some go for utility companies. Others snap up the railroads. A few fearless players go for it all, buying everything play money can buy.

Monopoly players will use their chosen strategies when they gather in Sikeston on March 2 for the 21st annual Monopoly Game Tournament.

"The Sikeston tournament is one of many Hasbro-approved Monopoly competitions held throughout the state and nation," said Wende Pruden, a coordinator of the Sikeston tournament.

The tournament will begin at 6:30 p.m. at Sikeston's Ramada Inn. The tournament has produced the state Monopoly champion on at least four occasions. Two of the winners have advanced to national competition at New York in 1995 and Las Vegas in 1999.

The local tournament is conducted by the Sikeston Optimist Club. Proceeds benefit the club's Shoes for Needy Children project, which provides more than 200 pairs of shoes for underprivileged children in Southeast Missouri each year.

"The local tournament includes two 90-minute rounds," said Pruden. "We can take as many as 40 entries."

Players are asked for a minimum sponsorship of $150, said Pruden.

Anyone interested in entering the tournament should contact Pruden at (573) 472-2761 or Cindy Webber at (573) 471-1035, for a player's kit.

Monopoly, which debuted in 1935, is one of the world's most popular board games. It is licensed in more than 80 countries, printed in 26 languages and has sold more than 200 million games worldwide.